NINA, MICKEY, & MISSISSIPPI GODDAM

It's great to be in a jazz reservoir where the folks who send tunes to you over the airwaves help you understand why you love this music so much.  Thank you Aasim and Larry for helping me take note that yesterday, February 21, was the anniversary of  the birth of "THE HIGH PRIESTESS OF SOUL", Nina Simone. 

 I've been a fan of Nina's for a long time.  My post from earlier today, Nina's "Mississippi Goddam", has special significance as it came out  in early 1964. Schwerner, Goodman, and Chaney were killed in Mississippi in June of 1964 although their bodies were not discovered until August of that year. Mickey Schwerner was a friend of mine.  Fifty-five years ago, this June we graduated from Cornell University where we pursued our studies,  waited tables together at fraternity houses and a restaurant, and sipped refreshments together while we listened to some "sounds".  We were Ray Charles fans.  Mickey really enjoyed "Baby What'd I Say".  

Mickey and his coworkers were awarded the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously by President Obama in 2014.

I have a playlist entitled "Schwerner".  The first tune is  Nina's "Mississippi Goddam".  The remainder of the songs are from brother Ray.  It's a long playlist. During the past few years  I've played the "Schwerner" playlist quite frequently during the June - August timeframe.  It brings back memories of some of my many good times.  I wish Mickey was here so we could catch Nina, brother Ray, Diz, the MJQ, etc. together.  (With refreshments).  Thanks for the landmark song Nina.